Paul hires former Iowa GOP head

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul has enlisted a former chairman of the Iowa Republican Party to serve as an adviser to his political action committee, adding new heft to Paul’s operation ahead of a potential 2016 presidential bid.

Steve Grubbs, a former state legislator and veteran of Iowa presidential politics, is joining RAND PAC as a top strategist in the leadoff caucus state and an adviser to Paul’s national efforts. His hiring adds to the perception that a 2016 presidential bid is an all-but-certain thing for the ophthalmologist-turned senator.

Story Continued Below

In an interview, Grubbs said he views Paul as a transformative figure for the Republican coalition.

“Rand Paul’s vision for the Republican Party is one that can expand our base and welcome under-30 voters into the party. And that’s important not just for this election, but for the future as well,” Grubbs said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m stepping into RAND PAC as they move forward in the 2014 election.”

The Republican strategist helms the firm Victory Enterprises, a consulting company that operates in five Midwestern states. He co-chaired Bob Dole’s Iowa campaign and has advised candidates including Steve Forbes, Tommy Thompson and Herman Cain.

An operative who has worked for both establishment- and activist-friendly Republicans, Grubbs has met with Paul in Washington and conferred in person and by phone with Doug Stafford, the senator’s chief of staff and currently his top political adviser.

“I’ve known Steve for more than a decade. He is well-respected in Republican politics and a good strategic thinker,” Stafford said in a statement. “I look forward to working with him in the coming months.”

Grubbs is the second former Iowa GOP chairman to sign on with Paul’s PAC. Earlier this year, libertarian activist A.J. Spiker stepped down from the party chairmanship to join RAND PAC as an adviser.